But that doesn’t mean your gifting has to come with a side of guilt. There are a ton of eco-friendly gift-wrapping options out there, whether you go with recycled or recyclable paper, gorgeous fabric wrapping that will live on year after year, vintage finds, or even a gift wrap that’s part of the gift itself, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about recyclable gift wrapping, along with our favorite gift wrapping options to make this holiday truly green.
Is Gift Wrap Recyclable?
Just because wrapping paper is a type of paper doesn’t mean that you can toss it into your recycling bin. More often than not, typical gift wrapping paper has one life, as it’s coated with polyethylene, polypropylene, and laminates to give it that sheen. “Much of the stuff is un-recyclable,” says Sara Smith, founder of Wrappily. “That glossiness is actually what works against the paper fiber’s ability to be pulped and used again.” Glitter and foils are recycling no-nos as well. Anything shiny and reflective could be made with Mylar (yes, of the helium balloon fame) and has to go into a landfill. The easiest way to check if your wrapping paper can be recycled is to do a scrunch test—paper should easily smush in your hand without bouncing back. If you’re not sure if gift wrap is recyclable, toss it in the trash. Wishcycling—the hope that putting something in the recycling bin will lead to it getting recycled—can actually hamper the recycling process, according the American Forest & Paper Association, because non-recyclables (plastic bows) and contaminants (glitter) can prevent otherwise recyclable paper items from resurrection.
Recylable vs. Recycled Gift Wrap
There is a difference between paper made from recycled material and paper that can be recycled. If your gift wrap is recyclable (usually made of kraft paper, newsprint, or other matte paper finishes), you can recycle it. If you buy recycled gift wrap, it’s made of paper that was used already (like recycled newsprint or cardboard), and can be recycled yet again. Either one would be a greener option than traditional gift wrap. And there are even recyclable options that are made of different materials—such as plant fibers or stone. While you’re at it, make the rest of your gift wrap more eco-friendly by opting for paper ribbons and paper tapes like washi that can be recycled or reused. Price at time of publish: $10 for 3 sheets Price at time of publish: $10 for a 10-foot roll Price at time of publish: $17 Price at time of publish: From $15 Price at time of publish: $16 “Kraft paper is recycled, recyclable, and quite durable.” Invest in a large roll like this 150-foot recycled kraft paper roll. You can dress it up with stickers or washi tape, doodle with markers, or add sprigs of pine and twine. Price at time of publish: $16 Price at time of publish: $4 Price at time of publish: $8 These may be a bit more of an investment, but it’ll pay off after a few years of reusing them. Price at time of publish: $44 Price at time of publish: From $25 Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $21 Price at time of publish: From $10 Price at time of publish: $25 And don’t forget the “reuse” part of the reduce, reuse, recycle motto—you can opt to keep old paper gift bags and use them yourself the following year. (Just store them so they don’t get ripped or damaged.) And storage bins, baskets, or bags can contain your gifts—and then make a great spot to store them or other treasures after the gift’s been unwrapped. Price at time of publish: From $59 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $42 for 3 Price at time of publish: From $39
